T-L Photos JOSIE BURKHART
Ashley Barto and her dog Wilson, who she referred to as Belmont County Pawsitive Placement’s mascot, hang out at My Way Italian Grill & Lounge as they get ready for a fundraiser this weekend.
BELMONT — Belmont County Pawsitive Placements is supporting dogs, veterans and small local businesses with its poker run fundraiser Saturday, Aug. 10.
The organization is raising funds to support building a no-kill animal shelter in Belmont County.
According to the Animal Humane Society, a no-kill shelter does not equal no euthanasia. In the case of an animal having a severe or untreatable illness or aggressive behavior issues and when all other options have been exhausted, an animal in a no-kill shelter will be euthanized.
Ashley Barto, founder of Belmont County Pawsitive Placements, said her organization will follow these guidelines. It will follow the requirement that a no-kill shelter have a placement rate of 90% or higher, as stated by the Animal Humane Society.
Barto said if you love dogs, this fundraiser is a great opportunity to come support them.
“Dogs are better than most humans … ,” she said. “Dogs don’t steer us wrong. You play with them, they cuddle with you, they’ll go hiking with you, they’ll do anything.”
The 91-mile poker run will take place with My Way Italian Grill & Lounge at 43920 National Road in Belmont as its starting point. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and departure is at 10 a.m.
The run will make its way to the Barnesville American Legion as its first stopping point, a second stop at the Powhatan Point American Legion, a third at Neffs American Legion, the fourth at the St. Clairsville VFW and finally at the Flushing American Legion as its last stop before making its way back to My Way Italian Grill & Lounge.
Barto said she wants to support veterans, and this run will focus on stopping at those places to buy products, such as drinks, from the legions and VFW.
Riders who want to participate in the run but don’t have a bike don’t have to worry. All vehicles are welcome to participate in the fundraiser, and the price is $25.
A raffle and auction will also take place at the fundraiser, with all raffle items and donations coming from small local businesses in Belmont County. Some of these businesses include small tattoo shops, pizza shops and automotive shops.
Food from My Way Italian Grill & Lounge will be provided, but from the former Salsa Joe’s Menu.
Entertainment will happen all day long, too, with live music from Donnie Decena, Mongo Huey, Jillian Dobson and more. The fundraiser will conclude around 9 or 10 p.m.
Barto is also asking that everybody bring something to the fundraiser, such as a can or bag of pet food, dog treats, blankets or dog toys that will be donated to the Belmont County Animal Shelter.
“Our main goal is to raise funds to eventually buy or build a facility that we can have to create a rescue dog shelter,” Barto said.
